SEISMID^® —
Seismic System Identification

Site-effects may increase the response beyond the provisions of local Codes or Standards. Measurements that determine these effects can be of help to get the correct design input values and save considerable money in critical zones. The introduction of EC8 has brought considerable changes in the risk assessment in countries north of the Alps. In previous so called quiet zones earthquake is now the guiding design factor. For the huge stock of existing structures the assessment of a realistic risk becomes essential and economically important.

Based on both forced and ambient vibration tests, the response of the surrounding soil as well as the structure is analysed. Several sophisticated methodologies are combined in order to generate a valid risk map for the region as well as for local circumstances. The results are microzonation-studies for cities, which are of interest to the community, as well as the detailed assessment of structures, which is of interest to the owners. A number of examples are available for demonstration. The quality of prediction will be discussed and compared to conventional approaches.

Recent earthquake-scenarios in densely populated areas led scientist's attention on sophisticated seismic hazard prevention. Especially in urban areas, like the Vienna Basin, which are located predominantly on soft soil layer, waves of moderate seismic events can be major amplified. The enhancement of seismic exposure for local building structures, the so called site-effect, led to an ascending request for a precise investigation of the real seismic vulnerability.

For more information see www.seismid.com